Audio Research vs Sonic Frontiers

I've not heard the LS 25, but have lived with the SF Line 2 for over two years. The Line 2 is tonally very neutral/accurate, ie not at all euphonic-- with the stock Sovtek tubes. So if you want that warm, "tubey" sound the Line 2 won't satisfy, but if you value tonal neutrality, the Line 2 is excellent. In addition it is detailed, smooth, and has good soundstaging. For less money, the Line 1 sounds a lot like the the Line 2 but is a little more "aggressive", and I prefer the Line 2. Also, all the Line series pre-amps have great features. If you do want a warm tubey sound, a tube change in the Line 2 is fairly inexpensive. Good Hunting. Craig.

Hi (again) Otis; IMO the only reason the SF Line 2 sounds sort of like solid state is because of the stock Sovtek tubes. I put in a mixed set of NOS tubes in mine and it became rich, lush, full etc.-- but quite frankly, too "tubey" for me, and I preferred the more neutral sound, (and yes drier) sound of the stock Sovteks. My point is that with tube rolling, you can radically change the sound of the SF. I suspect that this is true of most/all tube pre-amps. I intend to try another NOS set that should have a less dramatic change in sound character. Cheers. Craig.

Sorry I can't make a recommendation Otis. The one NOS tube set I tried came from Kevin Deal. It consisted of 2 NOS Amperex and 4 less expensive tubes that I can't remember. I didn't care for it though. Kevin Deal does have a wealth of tube info. as I'm sure you know. Redkiwi has recommended "Bugle Boys"-- I'm not familiar with them but may try to find them. Luck. Craig